Weather Forecast

Remember all those who gave their lives for our freedoms

“Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.”

It was at the beginning of the last century that people enlarged the holiday to include all relatives who have passed away.

We remember the Greatest Generation — those who fought the “Great War,” World War II — through books, movies and now videos found on the History Channel. Those who served came home to parades and were honored for saving the world for democracy.

At the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Holland, the Dutch citizens have “adapted” all 8,301 graves at the cemetery. There is a waiting list to help take care of the American graves, even 65 years after war ended. (Reminisce Magazine-March 2012)

But then came the Korean War, just a few years after the big war. Americans didn’t want another war and those who fought in Korea were not held in the same esteem as those from World War II.

Then in the ‘60s came an unpopular war, the Vietnam War. The military, coming back to the States in their uniforms, were yelled at and some were even spit on.

It is great to see those in uniform coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq greeted with parades and accolades for the populist of the United States knows that military personnel met the call of their country.

Today, Americans support the troops, even though they may not support the war.

While we visit the graves of loved ones we must take a moment to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we today enjoy. We should not forget either those who fought in Korea or in Vietnam.

I've worked at the Brainerd Dispatch with various duties since Dec. 7, 1983. Starting off as an Ad Designer and currently Director of Audience Development. The Dispatch has been an interesting and challenging place to work. I'm fortunate to have made many friends, both co-workers and customers.